James Bannon (Fine Gael)

That happened last year. The Minister, Deputy Cullen, has only guaranteed funding for this initiative until 2006 after which it will have to stand alone, so to speak. That is not possible as this service caters for many elderly people. This is a great initiative and it should be maintained. The Government should have a lifelong commitment to its provision.

The Government is blinkered in its approach to this initiative when it only provided funding for it until 2006.